Two of the few redeeming qualities of social media are its ability to give voice to those in need of a platform and shine a light on issues previously hidden in darkness. Such is the outcome for full-figured feministas on Instagram, who use the social media app to spread their message of self-love and plus size beauty while educating everyone about the importance of size diversity and acceptance. Directly, these curvy cuties are unapologetic about letting it all hang out and encourage others to do the same. As model Naomie Chaputz says below, “It’s okay to look up to others to seek inspiration but don’t ever get intimidated or feel like you would never be as pretty as the next. You’re beautiful in your own unique way. When comes a time when you’ll love yourself so much and be at peace with your imperfections, your confidence will shine through and that’s what will make you a complete beautiful woman.”

Below, find five full-figured feministas who will light up your Instagram timeline and life.

1. @lizzobeeating

Photo Credit: Instagram @lizzobeeating

Description: Lizzo is a singer/performer whose timeline chronicles her adventures on and back stage, various sexy photo shoots and empowering, confident reflections. While she’s all about fun and twerking that thang, it’s clear there’s more here and she wants to inpsire everyone to love their sexy selves as they are. Plus: her music is super dope.

Favorite quote: “FAT DOES NOT = UGLY. When someone calls themselves fat, please do not respond with ‘no you’re not, you’re pretty’ as if being fat and beautiful are mutually exclusive. I’m here to shake the table, to dispel the false narrative that being ‘big’ is ‘bad’ or more ‘unhealthy’ than being ‘small’—because it’s simply NOT TRUE. I’m not a Dr. and neither are you, so let’s not act like it. Love Yourself. Eat like you love yourself. Drink water like you love yourself. Dance and move your body like you love yourself. Next time someone calls you fat, remember you’ve got fat in your body, just like them. And having fat is beautiful.”

Favorite post:

Photo Credit: Instagram @lizzobeeating

2. @na0__

Photo Credit: Instagram @na0__

Description: Naomie Chaputz is a model and a force. Claiming she’s “350 lbs going on 400,” this bombshell who rocks gold teeth has over 172K followers. In addition to showing off her curves, she uses her platform to bring attention to the need for more fashionable clothing and shoe options for plus size women over 1X and more 1X+ models. Her timeline is a catalog of fashion and fab looks accenting her already bodacious body.

Favorite quote: “‘Be your complete self and you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who truly love you for who you are.’

It’s okay to look up to others to seek inspiration but don’t ever get intimidated or feel like you would never be as pretty as the next. You’re beautiful in your own unique way. When comes a time when you’ll love yourself so much and be at peace with your imperfections, your confidence will SHINE THROUGH and that’s what will make you a complete beautiful woman. I still struggle with self love from time to time, sometimes I hate my my arms or my butt, but at the end of the day, it’s part of the journey to self love!” (8/22/17)

Favorite post:

3. @oranicuhh

Photo Credit: Instagram @oranicuhh

Description: While rapper Chika’s Instagram bio claims she’s not signed to a record label, don’t expect that to remain her reality much longer — unless this brown beauty wants it that way. This 21-year-old, who has 129K followers, uses the social media app as a platform to showcase her many talents as a rapper, spoken word artist, and guitar player. Recently, she gained attention when she posted a video of herself rhyming about rapper Kanye West’s disconnection from his community and loyal fanbase. The verse was fire, and she’s been heating things up ever since.

Description: LaLa T. is a 24-year-old beauty blogger in Los Angeles. With a sweet smile and deep brown eyes, she easily connects with her 79K followers who no doubt visit her timeline for inspiration and peeks at LaLa rocking her many looks while being comfortable in her own skin. Best about the blogger, who’s a PCOS fighter, is her honesty about her personal setbacks and private life.

Favorite quote: “People like to point out my flaws a lot as if I don’t knowlemme be great okay! I’m a human like everybody else.. I hate how society has created this illusion that we all have to look a certain way…perfect..well lemme tell you I’m not perfect.Im beautiful flaws and all tho…” (3/17/18)

Favorite post:

Photo Credit: Instagram @bellagodesss

5. @Amberthealchemist

Photo Credit: Instagram @amberthealchemist

Description: According to her bio, artist Amber J. Finney, who co-hosts the Brown Girl Alchemizing podcast with her mother, is all about shedding “skin,” dropping gems and basking in blackness. Her Instagram timeline is a mix of sensual Black art, Black girl power and divalicious yet introspective selfies commonly posted sideways or with her phone blocking her face.

Favorite quote: “#BrownGirlAlchemy is taking a $3 pack of kanekalon hair and rocking that sh– like it’s a custom @nikkinelms unit. #knowyourself #giftheglow”

Favorite post:

Photo Credit: Instagram @amberthealchemist

Entire Caption: “I shed some skin last night. This is something I’ve been dying to do for years, but each step I took closer my insecurities took a tug at me. It was important for me to let go of the baggage tied of my hair, the memories, random folks thinking it was okay to touch me, always wondering what my next hairstyle would be.. It just became a l o t . Hair for black women is a lot more complex than imaginable & I was nervous .. as f–k. Would I still be as pretty? FOMO on braided hairstyles, cause ya girl LOVES a good braided ‘do. . all of these thoughts traced through my head. Luckily I had @jeannell_1to look at to get a feel of exactly how I’d look with short hair LOL.

As soon as I came home I went to my tarot cards for clarity. I pulled the Empress & that was all the confirmation I needed. It was clear I needed to be in tune with my femininity & reconnect with my natural power without hiding behind hairstyles. So I did it. I cut my twists, unraveled my hair, played Beyonce’s ‘Upgrade You’ to uplift my inner self & took the clippers to my head with a smile. I thought I would cry or have some sort of regret, but I didn’t. I don’t. I felt an immediate release and sudden liberation. I looked fear in the eyes & made it my bitch. This is what freedom currently feels like for me. “

I can’t and won’t lie: I was afraid to visit Egypt. Televisions in my home stay locked on CNN and my husband’s beloved MSNBC (he has a love-hate relationship with Joy Reid, who’s affectionately called “Joy-Ann” in our home), and Egypt looks less than tempting as a vacation destination as shown via Western media outlets. War and destruction, chaos and killing, that’s pretty much all I knew of Egypt as it exists today, so the historical region was left off my list of travel must-dos. Still, a trip presented an opportunity to pop into Cairo for a short stint and being the travel adventurist I am, I decided to give it a try. Besides, while Egypt may have its dark headlines in the media, its history and collection of artifacts connected to our proud African ancestry present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Few places in the world boast such an illustrious list of wonders, indicators of human (read African) ingenuity and engineering, and whelp, we wanted to do it for the ‘gram. Therefore, Egypt became a destination for my husband and me. And I am glad such was the case. During our short 48 hours in Cairo, we discovered a complex and courageous people, an otherworldly, magnificent and enchanting landscape and enough sightseeing, food and entertainment to call us back for more. In the end, while there were some bumps, a visit to Cairo, Egypt, presented an unparalleled adventure. The good news: you can have the same experience. See below five reasons to book your trip to Cairo today. East Texas Bama and I had a wonderful excursion in Kemet (“The Black Land”) and we know you will, too.

1. This revolution was televised: For those who don’t know, Egypt recently had an actual revolution. In 2011, a mostly youth led mobilization that included a social media campaign led to the ousting of 30-year autocratic ruler President Hosni Mubarak. For sure, the ousting wasn’t smooth, many people, young people, died on the street while protesting and the political climate following included a culture war seeking balance between strict Islamic doctrine and Westernization/modernization.

Right now, visiting is like walking into someone’s’ home after a heated but much needed Thanksgiving dinner smack down. Everyone has an opinion about what went down and everyone wants to share it with you. Wherever we went, there was constant barbershop style debate about the political climate in the land. We chopped it up with the Muslims and Christians, rich and poor, and everyone was passionate about their homeland and the future. Most people are hopeful about the future, some have doubts, but the experience of listening and wading through the dialogue was the true pot of gold. I’ve been so many places, seen so many things, but often I leave having little understanding of the actual people, their hopes and dreams often hidden beneath their desire for more tourism, which means all comfort and no conflict. In the wake of the revolution, Egypt wears its heart on its sleeve and lets you in.

Tips: While safety first is important, don’t be afraid to sit down in a cafe and just chat with someone. Go off the beaten path and connect with people who are not affiliated with tourism and just living their lives. Visit Tahrir Square, the hub of the 2011 Arab Spring revolution that unseated Mubarak.

East Texas Bama in Tahrir Square. (Photo Credit: Stallworth Infinity)

2. Good people: While the constant bustle of downtown Cairo reminded me of the “keep it moving; don’t get too close to me” culture of New York City, most people were pretty friendly. In fact, after realizing we were tourists (obviously), people would stop and ask if we needed help. Beware of scammers — we suspected a few — but most people were just looking to connect with someone, ask where we were visiting from and suggest a few places we should see. The thing is, tourism, when it is up, provides a solid economic stronghold in Cairo, particularly to small businesses. The turmoil caused by the Muslim Brotherhood, which led to a serious decline in tourism dollars as outsiders were afraid to step off a plane in Cairo, led to a dry, dry desert with little outside cash flowing in to boost the local economy. Most locals are aware of the dilemma and try to take care of tourists so they may enjoy their city and return.

Tips: Don’t go it alone. While I enjoy breaking out a map and seeing a city on my own, certain locations require assistance. For safety and a little in-depth knowledge, I decided to hire a tour guide to show us around Cairo for the day. To do this in any city, simply visit concierge at your hotel and ask about tours. I requested someone with a deep understanding of history and transportation with air-conditioning (very important). Our tour guide arrived in the morning and whisked us away to explore all of the treasures of Cairo in an air-conditioned van, with a driver. Interestingly, the driver was Muslim and the tour guide was Christian, which provided an interesting debate during the tour. We made two new friends by the time the day was done.

3. Great food: Another thing I was nervous about in Cario was the food. Seriously…people don’t leave Cairo talking about how good the food was and my husband and I are foodies, so this was clearly going to be an issue for us. I am not about flying more than five hours for bad food. Still, while the traditional food was pretty basic, elements of meat and veggies, some lentils and other beans mixed with spices and dips, most offerings were quite tasty. We enjoyed expensive and cheap eats and the best by far was an afternoon lunch at Felfela, which every local we met insisted we try. Located in central Cairo, Felfela is a smallish, quaint, lunchtime spot with an exotic decor featuring live birds and lush greenery. At one entrance, we encountered a chef making felafel and I got a chance to get in on the cooking. Delish.

Tips: Eat where the locals eat. Felfela worked for us.

Cooking at Felfela. (Photo Credit: Stallworth Infinity)

4. Grand history: I’m not talking about the obvious: the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Yes, they’re in the textbooks and regarded on the list of the Wonders of the World; however, Kemet’s story, both historical and mythical, reaches back further than those desert beauties. It is an historic center of early human trade, culture, industry of all sorts. Some of the West’s most celebrated thinkers, artists, and inventors traveled to Egypt to be educated by leaders in industry.

Tips: Duh… it’s hot in Egypt. Avoid packing too much activity into one day. Two, maybe three activities/tours per day will do. And you probably won’t see everything. By lunch, you’ll be so tired you’ll want to do nothing more than shower, take a nap, and people watch. That’s the perfect time to take in another local treasure — the Nile. A soothing sunset cruise on the Nile River is required. There are also dinner cruises on the Nile.

(Photo Credit: Stallworth Infinity)

5. Good timing: In the past, a visit to the most popular attractions in Cairo meant large crowds, long lines, and big bucks. As mentioned before, for decades, under the nation’s progressive cultural push, Cairo’s open arms tourism policy led to a Disney-like experience in the desert. Paradoxically, the culture wars that followed drew smaller crowds as Westerners’ fears of violence all but eliminated the tourism industry. Today, the nation, on the brink of a return to its progressive agenda, seeks to increase international tourism, again embracing outsiders. The result works well for brave visitors. Gone are the crowds, lines and high prices. We visited the Pyramids early in the day and had the entire attraction almost to ourselves. There were some small tour groups and locals, but for the most part, we had the run of the place. Those seeking travel to Egypt will find cheap flights, hotels, tours and food.

Tips: Still, the rule is safety first. Be sure to check in with the local embassy upon arrival, know where it is located and how to get there quickly. Have adequate documentation. Further, read the headlines before leaving and stay away from hot spots identified by the embassy.

(Photo Credit: Stallworth Infinity)

Hey, you. Get out there. Book your flight to Egypt and expect a wonderful stay as you enjoy a walk through history, romance on the Nile River, conversation with welcoming strangers, and lunch at Felfela. You won’t be disapointed. I know we weren’t. —written by calaya michelle stallworth. For more photos from my travels, follow me on Instagram @blackwritergonerogue.

It’s official. Wakanda is real and according to the Twitter account of Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr. Airport, named after The Mecca’s first Black mayor, flights to the all-things-Black-and-wonderful utopia have already began departing Atlanta (because where else would they leave from?). A one-way ticket is free. You just have to recite the lyrics to any Frankie Beverly and Maze song and know the difference between collard greens and kale and you’re in like Flynn. A few other things though: you need to be Black or have a Black Card and get a visa from the Wakanda Immigration and Naturalization office after receiving a letter of recommendation from the Black Delegation, of which I, Yasin Bey/Mos Def, Luvvie Ajayi, and likely one of your ex boyfriends or girlfriends are card carrying members. After a vote of confidence from the delegation, one may enter Wakanda and enjoy a life filled with futurisitc technology, vats of shea butter for every man, woman and child, nightly block parties, fish fries, Friday night cookouts, open family reunions where we wear “We all Johnsons” teeshirts and free shots of ‘yak or ginger beer (for the ‘hoteps). Sadly, many Black folks won’t be allowed into Wakanda and Luvvie Ajayi has already started an offical “no entry” list, beginning with pee on children urination expert (because I saw the video and can confidently say it was) R. Kelly. Of his possible entry into Wakanda, Ajayi wrote on Twitter, ““Fatha Gawd, we come before you today to block the entry of enemies of progress and pedophiles into the sacred land of Wakanda! You said weapons would form but let them not prosper in this land. May fools like this stay trapped in the closet to nowhere when we #BLAXIT. We rebuke and reject him, in YOUR glorious name.”

As I am a delegate, let me add eight more people to that list — with pictures for Border Patrol.

Tiger Woods with Pauline Gretzky. Photo: Instagram -@TigerWoods

1. Tiger Woods: That’s right, I said it. While swirl-lovin’ Black fathers around the world love the dream of Tiger Woods, he isn’t invited to Wakanda. Here’s the thing: while Woods is noted as one of the best golfers of all time and highly respected within sports, he never even believed in Wakanda to begin with. He’s like that cousin who went off to college and like never came back home ever again — not to cook outs, reunions, baby christenings, nothing. You never see him in person … but his Facebook is popping because he actually has a lively social life filled with what…no Black people. Black folks have never been in danger of Woods showing up to the next NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, whatever. And he won’t be coming to Wankanda either.

Photo: Twitter/@SheriffClarke

2. Sheriff David A. Clarke: Man, listen, I don’t know where FOX News and the Trump clan found this weirdo, big hat wearing, wannabe “sheriff of the people,” but all I can wonder when I see him is, what people? He has this wannabe John Wayne, shoot ’em down at the corral exterior that excudes the kind of self hate and Uncle Ruckus-ery that we just can’t have in Wakanda. Access denied.

3 and 4. Lynnette Hardaway and Rochelle Richardson: Freedom of Speech, everyone is entitled to their own opinion … Whatever. These Trumpettes straight offend the entire legacy of Black women in the world. Harriet Tubman carried that heat for women like this. Trump backers and Black slackers, I have no love for this sort and there’s no way I would tolerate seeing their faces and poor hair selections as I bask in the glow of Wakanda. As Miss Sophia said in The Color Purple, “Hell naw.”

Donald J. Trump and Stacey Dash (Instagram:@therealstaceyldash)

5. Stacey Dash: I might actually have to re-nig on this one. Like, if Dame Dash shows up at the Wakanda Immigration desk right when I’m about to deny Stacey entry and he hits me with a, ” She’s fam. Let her in,” I might have to honor this Blackity request and let her into Wakanda. And maybe Stacey won’t be so bad either. She seems like the kind of cousin who gets gone off the ‘Yak and can be quite entertaining, but don’t bring up politics or she’ll start crying about how “Y’all used to tease me when I was little and called me white girl… and I hate y’all.” But that’s entertaining, too. Plus, she has a point, because y’all did tease her — hence, the terrible self hate. Ok, Stacey might be able to get into Wakanda with the right backing.

Paris Dennard (Photo Credit: Twitter/@ Paris Dennard)

6. Paris Dennard: Dude just can’t seem to get enough of hating on anything seemingly progressive for Black folks and is proud to do so. A budding Uncle Ruckus (see his grandaddy Ruckus in Clarke at the top), Dennard is the first person CNN seems to call when they need a soft on true issues, easy on White lies spokesperson clearly sent in to mess up the Black agenda. I hardly need to come for Dennard because Wakanda Delegate Cornel West laid them verbal paws on him on CNN with Anderson Cooper. When West said Trump had no “moral credibility,” Dennard, of course, caped for Trump and West took him down for seemingly using his position as a pundit to make money and a name for himself and spread lies to Black people who are actually struggling. West said, “Brother Paris, you got check mated by brother Anderson. You know the President was lying, he knows about David Duke, he knows about white supremacy. He’s been in America for a good while. You’ve got to defend him in order to keep your job, we understand that.” Dennard countered with some jibberjabber not worth retyping, basically asking West not to question his character and that he doesn’t “work” for Trump. West wasn’t having it. He countered in true West, old Black man not giving a damn fashion with, “Let’s just be honest man. Much is at stake. This is not no corporate media game we’re playing here in order to pursue our careers. That’s not what I’m into, and I pray god that is not what you are fundamentally into either.” Basically, West son’d Dennard. If Dennard shows up in my line at immigration in Wakanda, I’m sending him over to West.

Ben Carson (Photo Credit: George Sheldon / Shutterstock.com)

7. Ben Carson: I’m kind of on the fence about this one (not for real though). It’s like I don’t think Ben Carson is a bad guy. I think he means well and most likely believes he is a part of some kind of solution. I mean, I brought his book for my little brother way back in the day. His gifted hands as a surgeon made Black folks proud and I’m sure he inspired an entire generation of Black doctors. The thing is, I can’t respect this brother nor cosponsor his Visa to Wakanda due to his apparent inability to see his placement as a pawn in the conservative political agenda. His very image during the election depicted the squeaky clean, do right Black man who won’t speak out against the BS and constantly look inward to fix a societal problem clearly driven by external forces. I can’t respect a brother who can’t see this paradox of the matrix; therefore, I won’t be breaking bread with Carson at the cookout in Wakanda because he ain’t coming.

8. Omarosa Newman: I caped for Omarosa for a long time. I see her as a character playing a role for checks and I can respect that. Like, make your money, sistah. But, as Diamond said in Player’s Club, “Make that money; don’t let it make you.” Somewhere along the way of her reality show turned real life existence, Omarosa got lost. I knew she’d lost her mind when she came for Ed Gordon at the NABJ convention last year. Gordon, who once helmed BET news, is like the smooth uncle who always brings a good bottle of bourbon to Thanksgiving dinner and actually has real connections that can get you a good job. I love me some Ed Gordon and watching him lose his cool talking to Omarosa, as any smooth uncle in his nice suit would do, my hate for her finally manifested. I don’t feel bad about leaving Omarosa out of Wakanda. She’ll find a way to come out on top. Chicks like her always do.

My arts journalism students at Spelman College had the ultimate treat a few weeks ago when we opened our classroom doors to Raianna Brown, the activist, Georgia Tech dancer and student who took a knee and stole our hearts with her Afro and … nerve. Floyd Hall and Marlyncia Pierce of the Blklanta podcast interviewed Brown in a live podcast recording. They discussed Brown’s sold out dance showcase at Tech and why she took a knee.

Most compelling was hearing Brown talk about how proud her parents are of her. Her dad called her Angela Davis. Further, Brown has been instrumental in building the dance program at Georgia Tech and has much support.

For sure, the students were quite impressed and inspired by Brown and her team. Following the podcast recording, they exchanged information and took pictures.

I am so proud of my Spelman College colleagues, specifically Dr. Ashanté Reese, Assistant Professor, Sociology and Anthropology (for leading the charge), as we have decided to put both words and actions forth to support our students who have been victims of sexual assault AND work to stop this growing atrocity. We want them to know we hear them and we believe them and we support them.

We must, as a community and in our particular communities, commit ourselves to protecting our girls and boys and women and men from predators and dated beliefs about sexual violence and assault that leave vulnerable their bodies and spirits. The first step is admitting that there’s a problem. Everywhere. No more hiding. Next, we confront the perpetrators. Then we heal. Finally, we break the pattern. Proud of the faculty at Spelman for taking a stand. We work with the most vulnerable who trust us and believe in us. We must shout for them, “Not on our watch!” “My silences had not protected me. Your silence will not protect you. But for every real word spoken, for every attempt I had ever made to speak those truths for which I am still seeking, I had made contact with other women while we examined the words to fit a world in which we all believed, bridging our differences.”–Audre Lorde

See the open letter published below.

Dear Spelman Students,

Many of you have tweeted, talked about, or been triggered by the recent hashtag #WeKnowWhatYouDid. You are brave, courageous, and among the best this world has to offer. You are not alone. Thank you for being bold in your declarations and firm in your commitments to end sexual violence and sexual assault. For those who did not share and may feel alone, we see you. You do not owe any of us your story, just as you do not owe anyone your body or spirit.

We are a group of faculty who are committed to ending sexual violence and sexual harassment in the AUC. We want you to know that we love you, we support you, we will fight with and for you, and we will co-create an environment where you are safe. We share your outrage and disgust. No student at Spelman (or any of the AUC schools) should experience a hostile environment in which sexual assault or sexual harassment is commonplace.

The fight to change institutional culture in the AUC does not rest solely on your shoulders. We as faculty have a part to play, too. We are committed to making our classrooms safe for all, including gender non-conforming and trans students who may face additional threats of harm. We are committed to challenging the status quo—pedagogically and institutionally. You came here because you trust our institution to invest in your highest self. As an institution we have an obligation to protect you. Because of your bravery and courage, change starts now. You have shown us that our silence does not protect any of us and especially not you.

We know that it is not enough to say we love and support you. Our actions need to follow. Consider this our public declaration that we are here to do the long, challenging, and tiring work of changing policies and attitudes around sexual assault and sexual harassment.

As we collectively work toward change and healing, please remember to take care of yourselves and each other. Find or make space for some laughter, joy, and self-care that remind you that you are here, you are loved, and you are valuable. And in moments when you need an extra hand or an ear, consider us part of your network of support and resources.

We love you. We are proud of you.

In Solidarity,

Dr. Ashanté Reese, Assistant Professor, Sociology and Anthropology

Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Anna Julia Cooper Professor of Women’s Studies and Founding Director of the Women’s Research and Resource Center

This fall, my screenwriting students will have an option to write scripts with a Black woman who is away from home as the protagonist. We will watch films by Ava Duvernay, Haile Gerima, Wanuri Kahiu, and Andrew Dosunmu. We will discuss the impact of travel, being gone and away on a person; how the impact is portrayed in film, and how images of Black women “away” is are depicted in film.

From the syllabus: “This semester, narrative focus will be placed on scripts featuring Black women navigating unfamiliar places and spaces, and how location impacts the protagonist’s focus, weaknesses, evolution and eventual epiphany. This course specifically aims to empower screenwriters, particularly those of color and women, with tools enabling them to record their often neglected and overlooked narratives in film.”

]]>http://calayamichellereid.com/2017/08/fall-2017-screenwriting-i-course-black-girl-gone/feed/0Recent Publication: How I found the most romantic sunset in Portugal (pictures)http://calayamichellereid.com/2017/08/recent-publication-how-i-found-the-most-romantic-sunset-in-portugal-pictures/
http://calayamichellereid.com/2017/08/recent-publication-how-i-found-the-most-romantic-sunset-in-portugal-pictures/#respondWed, 02 Aug 2017 13:53:26 +0000http://calayamichellereid.com/?p=266[...]]]>

The most romantic sunset in the world is at Restaurante Ponto Final in Almada, Portugal (Photo Credit: Stallworth Infinity)

I published a travel article about my visit to Restaurante Ponto Final in Almada, Portugal. It was published on rollingout.com. The link to the article is here: “How I found the most romantic sunset in Portugal (pictures)”

Here’s the article:

It was love at first hashtag search between Restaurante Ponto Final and me.
Having just booked a recent trip with a long layover, I sat up in bed one evening searching Instagram on my iPhone for images of Lisbon, Portugal. This is commonly how vacation planning begins for me. After booking airlines tickets, I look for the best travel experiences using both professional and general population suggestions shared on websites and social media. My social media hashtag hits of #Lisbon and #Portugal proved fruitful. While I didn’t know much about the southern European nation that borders Spain, Instagram’s “top posts” and “most recent” images of the country total more than 16M shares of urban, seaside, architectural, tree-hugging, historical, and beachfront views and vistas to enjoy. That’s a lot of clicking. After what felt like hours into my #portugal search, I had a clear understanding of what to expect during my visit from an intimate perspective. Most interesting about discovering a place through public images on social media is the personalized experience — you’re virtually there with someone, a regular person who’s doing what you’ll likely do, too.

Many of those “regular” people posting images of their personalized experiences in Portugal seemed super excited about one particular destination: #pontofinal. Photos of this charming, riverfront restaurant promised a quaint, unique visit with spectacular views and fresh-from-the-sea delicacies. Most diners captioned images of the sunset at the Almada restaurant that juts out into the Tagus River like a peninsula with words like “beautiful,” “unforgettable,” and “lovely.”

My travelista and foodie heart fell deeply in love. Click. Click. Click. I looked at images of #PontoFinal all night long.
Still, as I added the restaurant to my list of Portugal must-sees, I reasoned with myself that there was no way all of those images and accompanying captions were correct. While I’ve come to believe the internet/social media doesn’t lie when it comes to travel and dining suggestions, I know for sure one must adjust expectations in all things in life. One woman’s “unforgettable” is often my “ehhh…what’s next?” Thus, I was excited about visiting Restaurante Ponto Final from those initial searches (I absolutely had to get there), but I was ready to be a little less than overwhelmed.

After throwing back a few shots of ginja at A Ginjinha near our temporary home in Rossio Square, East Texas Bama and I set out on a journey that would negate my misgivings and prove once and for all my initial theory: the internet doesn’t lie when it comes to travel and dining suggestions.

It’s always a good time for a shot of ginja in Lisbon. Photo Credit: Stallworth Infinity
Love at first hashtag search between Restaurante Ponto Final and me turned to love at first sight.
As Restaurante Ponto Final isn’t actually in Lisbon, we had to cross the bridge over the Tagus (the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula) to reach Almada. While many travelers prefer to catch the ferry between Lisbon and Almada, we were pressed for time to catch the Restaurante Ponto Final sunset and opted instead to enjoy an Uber ride.

Upon arrival in Almada, we realized that Restaurante Ponto Final isn’t accessible by automobile. It’s tucked beneath a huge cliff that makes a maze of tiny streets and trails winding down to the riverfront. Our Uber driver took us down as close to the bottom as he could and basically said, “Good luck.” Thanks to a maps app and some good instincts, we arrived at Jardim Boca do Vento, a romantic swath of a park that kisses the Tagus with huge rocks in stark contrast with the greenest grass. Not completely sure we were on the right path, we risked the sunset and stopped for a few pictures while chatting with sun-gazing locals who’d stretched out on the grass like it was their own front lawn.

Someone pointed us to another walking path that led around a jagged rock angle. Before it was the Elevador Panorâmico da Boca do Vento, which is apparently the best way to visit Restaurante Ponto Final, an outdoor elevator that scales the side of the cliff, taking diners from the top to the bottom with the restaurant just steps away. We did use the elevator after dinner and were told there was a fee for the elevator operator, but we weren’t asked to pay.

After walking around the bottom of the cliff, we arrived magically, it seemed, at Restaurante Ponto Final.
My eyes runneth over with a vision of yellow. My first sights of Restaurante Ponto Final were the bright yellow tables hanging out on the old dock stretching into the rolling waters that run beneath the bridge and toward the sun. I sighed and reached for my husband’s arm. “We are here!” I likely said. I knew the place too well. I’d looked at so many pictures, from so many angles, it was like seeing something again. It wasn’t my first visit, but then again, it was. Because now I was there. I was in the pictures I once fawned over.

Diners in the yellow chairs seemed to wave at us, welcoming East Texas Bama and me to join the club. I wondered where we would sit. The preferred tables out on the dock were occupied. Closer to the front of the restaurant, the main dining area that provided a view of the water but not the bridge and sunset, was mostly full.

A waiter appeared. “Table for two?” he asked. My date confirmed and we were led to a waiting area beside the water. I grabbed East Texas Bama’s arm again with a new message: “I have to sit out on the water. And I need to be there before the sun sets!” (wifely orders verbatim). I am certain I used my whiny, toddler voice, too. I needed my former Vanderbilt football team captain husband to seal this deal — something he’s good at. If I want it, he’ll tackle everyone in the room until I get it. When traveling the world for a specific experience, one must have that experience. Nothing else will do. My experience that evening at Restaurante Ponto Final was to dine on the dock at one of those yellow tables at sunset. Done Deal.

He nodded. I excused myself to the restroom and said a little prayer that when I returned, I’d have my experience.

My team captain followed through, of course. I returned to a table right beside the water. He was sitting there grinning at me. “You did it!” I said and snapped a picture. I posted it to Instagram (see below). Caption: “When @easttexasbama is collecting international bae points. Watching the sun set at #restaurantepontofinal on the #riotejo in #almada #portugal … He did that. Dreams do come true. #okzaddy#stallworthinfinityhoneymoon#stallworthinfinity #honeymoon #lisbon#blackmentravel #blacklove#cocoatravelersintl #lisbon”

Then, just like that, the sun began to set. Wine was on the table. More ginja. More ginja. More ginja. Grins and giggles with my husband. Restaurante Ponto Final was magical.

The food was as promised: delicious from the sea and land. We tried a bit of everything, but best were those sardines for which Portugal is known. They were served as an appetizer (careful not to take all appetizers placed on your table in Portugal — you will be charged even if you didn’t order). A slight sautee with bread and wine, it was salty, oily, and filling.

As we ate, the tables around us began to turn over. Some regulars watched the river while enjoying a smoke. There was a birthday party. Friends drank and sang to the birthday girl as the shimmer of the moon danced on the water around us. Night arrived and our bellies were full. We sat back and agreed that if we lived in Lisbon, this would be our sweet spot. Restaurante Ponto Final is made for good times, great food, and wonderous scenery.

The waiter called a taxi for us. As we were on our way out. East Texas Bama pulled me close and asked if I got what I wanted. Yes, I did.
—written by calaya michelle stallworth. For more photos from my travels, follow me on Instagram @blackwritergonerogue.
See other travel journals by Calaya: “Dubai vacation: 5 things to do, 5 things to skip”, “An afternoon in Abu Dhabi: Queen for a day.”

]]>http://calayamichellereid.com/2017/08/recent-publication-how-i-found-the-most-romantic-sunset-in-portugal-pictures/feed/0Recent Publication: Dubai vacation: 5 things to do, 5 things to skip (pictures)http://calayamichellereid.com/2017/07/recent-publication-dubai-vacation-5-things-to-do-5-things-to-skip-pictures/
http://calayamichellereid.com/2017/07/recent-publication-dubai-vacation-5-things-to-do-5-things-to-skip-pictures/#respondWed, 26 Jul 2017 16:11:03 +0000http://calayamichellereid.com/?p=257[...]]]>I published a travel article about my visit to Dubai. It was published on rollingout.com. The link to the article is here: Dubai vacation: 5 things to do, 5 things to skip (pictures)

Here’s the article:

Calaya and Jay at the top of the Burj Khalifa. (Photo Credit: Stallworth Infinity)

For nearly two decades, Dubai has been portrayed as a veritable land of plenty by professional expats and jet-setters who flock to the desert oasis seeking opportunity, lavish lifestyle experiences and adult play in the ever-expanding seaside metropolis.

When I booked my recent trip with East Texas Bama, I had similar visions dancing in my head. In each, I’m decked out in some Arab-inspired frock, sipping something strong, and spying something beautiful. To me, Dubai would be every fabulous US destination wrapped in one: it’s bustling, Midtown Manhattan and sexy, South Beach, Miami; it’s the wild Las Vegas Strip and elite Rodeo Drive; it’s exciting and luxurious, sexy and alluring. But could one place really ever be all of those things? Somehow, Dubai is. And it seems to have been built that way.

The brainchild of liberal-minded, West-friendly, filthy-rich Arab sheiks, present-day Dubai was designed to tickle the adult fancy with a little opulence and R&R. Here, you can have it your way. But with so much going on and come-hither fingers pulling tourists in countless directions, one has to be clear about what her way actually is. The thing is, along with all of those other fabulous characteristics, Dubai is also fast-paced, moody, and super expensive (be prepared to spend lots of money, should you visit). Like Vegas, there are winners and losers here. The latter try to take it all in, get Dubai-beaten, Dubai-angry and leave Dubai-broke. The former get smart, focus only on what’s most important, and spend the rest of their time poolside, beachside, and tableside (where they stuff their faces). After trying to do everything listed in my travel itinerary Google doc (yes, I do that) and running myself ragged my first two days in Dubai, I became the former and got travel smart. I focused only on what I absolutely had to experience in this special place, things I could only see and do in Dubai. The result was a romantic, exciting and informative quest that begs return.

Below, check out my list of Dubai do’s and don’ts. There are some highlights you won’t find elsewhere and pictures that’ll have you ready to book your Dubai vacation.

Do this in Dubai-

1. Marina Walk foodie tour: Dubai has long attracted entrepreneurs and professionals the world over seeking opportunity and a leg-up in the oil-rich nation. The impact on the culture is a New York-style hodgepodge of humanity where every race, creed, and religion is represented. Where people go, they bring their food, and Dubai has it all. A central location that features many of the foodie offerings is Dubai Marina Walk, a winding walking strip kissing the water that provides beautiful views of the city at night and an opportunity to peruse small food vendors and shops. Cuisine options go from simple pizza to complex Persian. In between, foodies will find Italian, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican and American delights. Some locations even boast offerings from around the world. Perhaps the best thing about the food, is most places are reasonably priced. Top picks: Indego By Vineet (Indian); Royal Orchid (Thai); Buddha Bar (night life and Asian-inspired eats).

2. Al Awir Desert Safari: While I’d never heard of one of these desert excursions before booking my trip to Dubai, I was immeditatly game when I stumbled upon the website. One thing that’s missing from much of the pomp in Dubai is ancient culture and visions of what was there long before the big buildings, manmade beaches and highways. Dubai was once a small trading post featuring fishing and a thriving pearl market. While stops at the old souks can give a glimpse of this past, it’s mostly been wiped away by so called progress. While I knew the safari wouldn’t take me back in time, I was sure it would take me away from the city, beyond what I knew and show me something different. At differing price points for half and full day visits, the Al Awir Desert Safari features a day in the desert, dune bashing, four-wheeler riding, camel/horse rides, henna painting, hookah, full dinner, drinks (non-alcoholic), and entertainment. We booked with Dream Nights Tours for $60 per person.

Al Awir Desert. (Photo Credit: Stallworth Infinity)

3. Dubai Fountains: Designed by creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Vegas, this fountain features a water show choreographed to music. The water shoots up some 500 feet in the air and dances back down to the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake. The show starts every 15-30 minutes and ends late in the evening. Go at night (I went a 9:00 pm) and witness the glowing lights of the Burj Khalifa just beyond the fountain. While I wasn’t at first impressed with the show, the atmosphere around the fountain made it one of the most memorable moments of the trip. There are families and couples, tourist groups and locals, hanging around the fountain, all eyes glued on dancing water as they delight in the spectacle. For a few minutes, as the music plays, we are all happy and mesmerized by the most basic of elements in the world. Tips: Have a drink at one of the cafes outside the area of Dubai Mall facing the fountains before taking in the show. Sit back and watch as others enjoy it all. During one of the rotations, head to the bridge and get a good spot. We sat at California Pizza Kitchen. Yes, just about any major brand you can think of has a presence in Dubai and, to our surprise, popular American chain The Cheesecake Factory recently topped a new consumer satisfaction index behind only Apple and Emirates Airlines.

Between the moon and the Burj Khalifa while watching the Fountain Show. (Photo Credit: Stallworth Infinity)

4. Dubai Metro, Public Transportation: When I travel, one of my delights is enjoying a little local flavor. The best way to get a quick glimpse into life anywhere is experiencing the daily commute. People come and go and rush and post up on public transportation in every city, and Dubai is no different. After taking too many Careem rides (Uber in the Arab world), we got our train passes and took on public transportation. While their lines aren’t very advanced, trains go to most attractions here–the malls, monuments and Jumeirah Beach. The trains are cool and seem to operate rather efficiently. Aboard the trains, you see the people who make Dubai go. These are the hotel workers, the everyday people — they are you, at home. They represent most every nation and class and have in their eyes a drive that explains everything you need to know about why they’re in Dubai — to get a chance. Beyond the train, it’ll be hard to notice these people as they serve your drinks and massage your shoulders during your vacation, but on the train, they’re kissing their boyfriends, playing Words With Friends on their iPhones, or catching a quick nap before the day begins. Tips: There are special areas on the trains for women and children. Get a weekly pass if you intend to take multiple rides. Don’t try to ride for free. You’ll get caught, and you don’t want trouble while abroad.

5. Jumeirah Beach at Night: While most envision a bright, sunny shoreline speckled with sexy sunbathers, the best time to visit the beach in Dubai is at sundown. Think calm, clear water that has been warmed by the sun all day. It’ll remind you of a bathtub with tiny Jacuzzi ripples. Jumeirah Beach comes alive in the evening. The restaurants stay open late and the strip, just steps away from the beach, sports the hottest cars in the city rolling along to the hot spots. Tip: For a romantic evening, have a bite to eat on the beach, walk along the beach, and post up at a cafe on the strip to take it all in.

An evening walk on the beach. (Photo Credit: Stallworth Infinity)

Skip this in Dubai-

1. Dinner cruise: If you’re seeking romance on vacation, the first thing that commonly comes to mind is a sunset dinner cruise. Of course, I looked into this and even picked out a dinner cruise (which I won’t defame here), but in the end (and after reading reviews), I realized, it’s a tourist trap. Here’s the thing: the best food isn’t served on the dinner cruise. The cruise is available without the dinner. Did you catch that? If you want to have a spectacular dinner, Dubai has lots to choose from (see Do #1). If you want to cruise, there are many captains willing to take you around Dubai a few times — and for half the price of the dinner cruise. There’s no need to mix the two. Most reviews of dinner cruises aren’t foodie friendly. It’s all wedding reception food, uninspired buffets and filler. Skip it.

2. Dubai Mall: Now, I’m not poor, but I’m certainly not rich enough to shop – for real, for real – at Dubai Mall. With so many options back at home and online shopping, it didn’t make sense to spend money in the mall. Who goes on vacation to shop in a mall? Dubai isn’t Paris or Milan. Dubai has fashion from Paris and Milan. Get into the culture if you like and visit tailors in the Old Souk or check out a few of the fab local designers. People go to the malls here to cool off and people watch.

3. Burj Khalifa–View from the top: I’m ready to admit it: We got got! (New York slang for being cheated, robbed, fleeced). And it was my doing (it’s hard to catch Jay in a tourist trap). Should you visit Burj Khalifa, don’t spend the extra money to go all the way to the top (which actually really isn’t the top). The experience cost us some $300 for a short elevator ride to the 148th floor, some cheap treats and tea. Like, I may not be VIP, but I know when I’m being treated like a VIP, and this wasn’t it. (Burj: do better!) Plus, it was hot up there. We couldn’t wait to get down. The only good thing about the view up there is you can see the future of Dubai, where it’s going geographically. Aside from that, save your money.

View from the Top, Burj Khalifa. (Photo Credit: Stallworth Infinity)

4. Water Parks and theme parks: I know it’s hot in Dubai and you want to cool off, but did you really spend your hard earned money and hours on a plane to visit a water/theme park you can surely experience back home? For sure, the Dubai parks are tricked out and cutting edge, but Splish Splash there is Splish Splash here and save your theme park headache for Disney. These places are for tourists, and inexperienced ones at that.

5. Expensive Hotels: I wanted to stay at the super expensive Burj Al Arab so badly, but toward the end of our five-week holiday, this just wasn’t sane. Dubai is home to most every luxury brand hotel one can imagine and with so many to choose from, prices tend to be quite reasonable within the 5-star range. Jay and I enjoy staying at Intercontinental hotels and decided on the Dubai Marina location. The stay came with a daily Vegas-style buffet breakfast, turn down service and extra care from a very attentive staff (someone met us in the hallway to ask if they could assist us in any way — I was so impressed). Better, the hotel is across the street from the metro, on the marina, and just steps from Jumeirah Beach. They also have a spectacular pool-side spa that stole a day from us … and we’re not complaining. Tip: When choosing a hotel in Dubai, don’t think a high price tag equals best. Shop around for a deal. Go for ones with breakfast and shuttle service from and to the airport.

During a recent trip to Dubai, my husband, writer East Texas Bama, and I decided to take a breather from the bustling and most grandiose Emirates city. Like most visitors, we sought the suburban (only slightly less grandiose) desert shores of capital city Abu Dhabi.

Like its sister city, Abu Dhabi boasts ambitious skyscrapers, meticulously cooled mega malls (because you have to cool off somewhere), and adventurous amusement-driven tourist attractions. The Persian Gulf beauty, whose name translates to “father of the gazelle” in Arabic, is less populous, a bit slower, and its far-stretching turquoise beaches provide the perfect backdrop for couples seeking respite for canoodling.

Taking tips from fellow experienced travelers, the hubster and I opted against staying in Abu Dhabi, and instead arranged a day trip with a private driver. The concierge at our Jumeriah Beach hotel suggested several tour groups and limousine services with price tags ranging from $300-$800 for 6-12 hours of guided experiences in Abu Dhabi. These services included air-conditioned rides from and to our hotel (important), and stops at noted major attractions in Abu Dhabi. While the offerings were standard and matched those I’d found online prior to the trip, as experienced travelers, we often seek something a little more tailored to our needs. East Texas Bama hates tourist traps — he prefers hard-to-find gems — and I’m mostly interested in the big must-sees, relaxation, food, and spirits. Also, I was Dubai-beaten and not looking forward to hours and hours in another city. I wanted to get in, out, and back to Dubai in time for dinner.

We decided to arrange our own transportation. Having enjoyed a day in the Al Awir Desert organized by Dream Nights Tours the day before, we parlayed with our driver Bilal from the trip. (PLEASE NOTE: When you are traveling, your driver is the most important person. When you find a good one, get his/her contact information and tell him/her what you want to see. They know the place and can show you around—often at a cheaper rate. Still, be cautious and alert at all times while abroad). Bilal connected us with another driver, Shoaib, at a much less expensive rate than quoted by the hotel. We confirmed door-to-door service, air conditioning, and historical information from our guide along the way. To our delight, we selected the arrival and departure times of our private ride for our preferred locations.

As promised, our delightful and knowledgeable Dream Nights Tours driver Shoaib arrived at our hotel at 8:00 am (he was actually early). The car was cool (See a theme? This is important in the desert) and we were whisked off to a fun-filled day to see the sites in Abu Dhabi. He asked for our list of must-sees, added a few of his own and told us to sit back and relax for the 90-minute ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. I, of course, took a nap. But when I awoke, we were just outside Abu Dhabi and ready to take it all in.

Grand Mosque
The first and most important stop was Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. You really can’t visit Abu Dhabi without walking the hallowed halls of this religious monument designed by Yousef Abdelky. The largest mosque in the UAE (and that’s saying a lot), the 20-year-old mosque covers 30 acres and is the resting place of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Each Friday, the mosque welcomes as many as 41K Muslims for Eid prayers.

With its classic Arab minarets and bodacious white domes, the mosque is a top destination for travelers seeking a serious photo op…err, cultural experience. We came ready, dressed in traditional attire — I in a mall-found red Abaya, and East Texas Bama in a thawb and keffiyeh (worn on the head for protection from the sun).

Easy conversation. Grand Mosque. Photo Credit: Stallworth Infinity

We quite enjoyed experiencing the mosque. It’s a no fuss stop where tourists are required to kick off their shoes, take a breath, and marvel at man’s creation in observance of his God. Inside the mosque, a sprawling, intricately decorated carpet kisses dramatic chandeliers and decorations. Some corners host bookshelves filled with Korans. I was warned not to touch the holy books.

Tips: This is a place of worship. If you visit, behave like you’re in a church. No silly selfies or loud talking. While you’re visiting, people may be praying or meditating. Be respectful. Also, women, prepare to cover your hair and extremities. You’re a visitor. Experience the culture.

Heritage Village

If Grand Mosque presents the grand vision of Abu Dhabi’s oil-rich present, Heritage Village shares its humble pre-oil past. While few tourists stop here, our driver wanted us to have a short peek at the living exhibition presenting long-gone life and culture in Abu Dhabi. The reconstructed village pulls visitors back in time and introduces them to desert life before skyscrapers and hotel chains. Villagers craft pottery, work metal, weave, and spin to make impressive fabrics. There are spices for sale and other exhibits. The exhibit is walled in, so you really feel like you’ve been transported to another time. This is great for children and history buffs.

Burgeoning City Scape—The Corniche
As we drove through the city, our guide pointed to the growing hotel industry in Abu Dhabi. Most chains are present and many boutique hotels dot the shoreline. There are also “live, work, play” structures similar to those in the States being built. Still, the skyline isn’t as overwhelming or braggadocious as Dubai. I hope it stays that way. The sea and skyline are best viewed from The Corniche, a stretch of road reclaimed from the sea that features walking and biking paths used to take in both natural and man-made wonders of the city.

Beaches For Days
If Abu Dhabi isn’t already considered a beach town, it should be. That’ll certainly save it from becoming another Dubai. Abu Dhabi has several public and private beaches. As it’s the Persian Gulf, the water is often quite warm and calm –- I kept calling it a big bathtub (I’ve actually experienced ocean water this warm on the Gulf Coast in America). We visited the rather busy Corniche Beach and the man-made exclusive beach at Emirates Palace.

Emirates Palace
Like having tea with the Queen of England, most travel sites say you must check in at Emirates Palace for a spot of top-tier tea. One must relax in the palace’s opulence and enjoy its splendor, all fit for a queen. The Kempinski-operated hotel built in 2005, isn’t the biggest and best in the UAE, which has too many luxurious hotels. Still, there’s something romantic and more confident about the place that makes it feel like a real palace — and you a royal resident.

Life is good for the queen at Emirates Palace. Just laughing. Photo Credit: Stallworth Infinity

Tired after sightseeing for much of the afternoon, we came here to relax, take in the beach, see a few expensive things and burn a little money on gold-speckled desserts. Like a king and queen in our royal attire, we entered our palace (in our heads) and were welcomed into a heavily (and handsomely) staffed residence that smelled of thick jasmine and lavender. The ceiling was as high as the sky and everything seemed too expensive to touch. Our staff escorted us to the dining area at the back of the main floor where cafes and restaurants host visitors and those staying at the lavish hotel.

The king was offered the gold-flecked cappuccino and the queen enjoyed rose tea. We sat and chatted so long, we forgot where we were – and who we are. Soon, we were laughing and easing back in our thrones at our new palace.

After walking around the grounds, we summoned our driver and headed back to Dubai.

Abu Dhabi didn’t disappoint. Really, I wished we could’ve stayed longer, but I had an appointment with a pool, a masseuse, and an Indian chef in Dubai, and nothing was coming between us — nothing. Those studying Abu Dhabi will note that we skipped a few major attractions, most notably Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. Those, we’re sure, are stones better left unturned in the desert. We collected the best ones and shall savor the memories.

Fahamu Pecou, Jon Goode and I chat with some of the Maynard Jackson High School students.

Fahamu Pecou, Adrienne Williams and Karen Marie Mason organized the (ad)Vantage Point Youth Initiative, a weekly program seeking to connect young Black males to local artists, inspiring creativity, connection and change. Each week this summer, brothers from Maynard Jackson High School are gathering at Wonder Root in Atlanta to participate in artist talks and workshops.

I presented on creative writing with wordsmith and poet extraordinaire Jon Good . We discussed the importance of language in the Diaspora, voice as activism and freedom. The young men presented their poems, micro fiction and personal essays at the close. I was moved and honored to be present. What a way to spend the day.